Atiku Fled to Dubai After 2019 Elections, Obasanjo Went to Bring Him Back — Bode George

In a revealing interview on News Central TV, Chief Bode George, a senior figure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), disclosed that former President Olusegun Obasanjo had to personally travel to Dubai to persuade the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, to return to Nigeria after the 2019 elections.

George stated that Atiku left the country due to fear of then-President Muhammadu Buhari. “My friend Atiku, after that election, he ran to Dubai,” George said, recounting a visit from Obasanjo during the uncertain post-election period.

“I can quote because one day Baba Obasanjo came to my house and said, ‘Bode, what is going on in your party?’ I said, ‘Sir, our leader is in Dubai.’ Quote me, Baba said he will go and bring him back,” George revealed.

According to him, Obasanjo fulfilled his promise by traveling to Dubai to speak with Atiku directly. “He went to Dubai to tell him to come back,” George continued. “He said he was afraid of General Buhari. Eventually, he came. You don’t run away from responsibility.”

These remarks shed light on the internal struggles within the PDP following their loss in the 2019 elections. Atiku’s sudden departure created a leadership vacuum and left many party members feeling deserted during a critical period.

Obasanjo’s intervention demonstrates the significant influence he still holds in Nigerian politics and his expectation that party leaders must take responsibility in difficult times. George’s account also underscores the atmosphere of fear that allegedly surrounded opposition politicians during Buhari’s administration.

This revelation has stirred fresh discussions about Atiku’s leadership and Obasanjo’s behind-the-scenes role in guiding the PDP during turbulent moments.

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